A storm system will track across the southeast into the new week spreading snow and ice across parts of the southeast including North Carolina. The details of the storm are becoming more clear for North Carolina, and it does not appear this will be a repeat of the post-Christmas snow. While some snow is possible with this storm, sleet and freezing rain could be the bigger issue for our region. Light snow is expected to spread into parts of the state near Charlotte and the NC/SC border around daybreak Monday. Because of dry air across much of central North Carolina, it will take a while for the precipitation to track north. Light snow will eventually spread from the southwest to northeast through Monday afternoon. By Monday evening, that precipitation will change to more of a wintry mix.
Based on the latest weather data, here's my thinking of what different regions of our coverage area can expect:
Triangle
Light snow will spread across the Triangle Monday afternoon or evening before changing to sleet then freezing rain or freezing drizzle Monday night. Precipitation will taper off Tuesday morning to around midday Tuesday. Around 1-2" of snow is possible before the change over to an icy mix. These accumulations will be slightly higher southwest of Raleigh and lower northeast of Raleigh. The snow accumulation will depend on the start time of the precipitation in the area. A later start time would mean less snow and an earlier start time would mean more snow accumulation. On top of any snow accumulation, 0.1" to 0.25" of ice accumulation is possible. This will create dangerous travel conditions Monday night and Tuesday morning. If ice accumulation reaches 0.25" or higher, look for power outages.
Sandhills
Light snow will spread across the Sandhills Monday morning and will then change to an icy mix by late Monday afternoon or evening. Snow accumulations of 1-4" is possible with the higher totals west of Fayetteville. Ice accumulation up to 0.25" is possible. Look for dangerous travel conditions developing Monday afternoon and continuing through Tuesday. If ice accumulation reaches 0.25" or higher, power outages will become a problem.
Wilson/Goldsboro
Some light snow is possible by late Monday afternoon or evening. Snow accumulation of a trace to an inch is possible. Any light snow will change to sleet and then freezing rain Monday evening and Monday night before ending Tuesday morning to around midday Tuesday. Ice accumulation of 0.1" to 0.25" is possible. Look for dangerous travel conditions Monday night and Tuesday morning.
Coastal viewing area
Light snow or a wintry mix will spread toward the southeast coast by late morning to early afternoon Monday. The precipitation will slowly build to the north through the afternoon and evening. A changeover to rain is expected by Monday evening. Most locations along the immediate coast will likely not see any accumulation as those locations will likely see mainly a cold rain. Areas inland from the coast across Columbus, Bladen, and Duplin County could see a dusting to 1" of snow/sleet accumulation with a light glazing of ice before changing to rain Monday night.
Keep in mind a change in track or intensity of this storm system could change the weather expected in your area. Winter weather forecasting is difficult in North Carolina, and changes in the forecast are still possible. Stay tuned to News 14 Carolina for the latest Weather on the Ones updates.
Lee Ringer
News 14 Carolina Meteorologist
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